What’s the Best Choice For A Rhône River Cruise?

Rhône River cruises in France typically operate between Lyon and Avignon or Arles. Many packages also include the Saône River, which joins the Rhône in Lyon. A cruise that combines both rivers can begin or end on the Saône River about 80 miles north of Lyon in the city of Chalon-sur-Saône.

There are also itineraries that combine other waterways that are not directly connected to the Rhône River. For instance, a few companies offer a cruise on the Rhône and Saône rivers and a separate cruise on the Seine River. An itinerary that combines the Rhône and Saône rivers will allow you to experience both the Burgundy and Provence regions of France. Most companies offer river cruises that include both rivers.

About the Rhône River

The Rhône River begins in the Swiss Alps. It flows for 505 miles from Switzerland through eastern France to Arles where it empties into the Mediterranean Sea. To the east of Lyon, the river is turbulent and is not considered navigable.

From Lyon to Arles, the Rhône flows in a southerly direction. In the city of Arles the river divides into two branches — an eastern branch known as the Grand Rhône and a western branch known as the Petit Rhône. These two branches form a delta in the Camargue region just south of Arles.

There are many interconnected waterways in France – rivers are joined together by other rivers as well as estuaries and canals. The Rhône and the Rhine rivers are indirectly connected through the Saône River. This is also true for the Rhône and Seine rivers. The Seine River is connected to the Saone via the Yonne River and Burgundy Canal.

Can’t Find What You Need?

Comparing River Cruise Companies

Most river cruise vessels are the same length, the same width and they have the same number of decks. And many sail the same rivers on similar itineraries. But there are some key differentiators that can make or break your cruise, depending on what's included, and more often, what's not.

How To Choose Your River Cruise

Choosing a river cruise can be a source of consternation, confusion and frustration. In Europe alone there are more than two dozen navigable rivers and canals. Add the confluence of companies offering seemingly similar experiences and you might just end up feeling as though you’re going upriver without a paddle, so to speak.

Price Comparisons

Comparative 2018 pricing for river cruises in similar staterooms across all operators. Broken down by river and region. For comparison purposes, we looked for staterooms of equivalent sizes and features, namely those with French balconies or step-out balconies. Find out what you should be paying (or could be paying) for your river cruise.

My Live Reports From The Rivers

In 2017, I cruised on Crystal, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Viking, Scenic, CroisiEurope and Emerald Waterways. Read about these cruises (and check out the videos that my team and I produced) for inspiration of what might work for you. You can also read about my cruises from 2016 and 2015, from cruises on luxury hotel barges to river cruise ships plying the Rhine, Danube and more. You'll find a treasure trove of free resources to help you choose your cruise.